The objectives of this course are to increase awareness and preparedness among animal owners and care providers, and to describe how typical hazards affect animals and what can be done by responsible owners to reduce the impact of disasters.

Animals, including a family cat, a herd of dairy cows, or a police officer’s horse, are an important part of the lives of millions of Americans. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 60 percent of all U.S. households own at least one animal. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the animal agriculture industry generates an annual revenue of about $125 billion. For many reasons, including safety, health, economic, environmental, and emotional concerns, the care of animals in disasters is important to the care of people. A collaborative effort between incident management and animal owners can improve a community’s successful disaster preparedness and response. This course is designed to promote personal responsibility of animal owners and care providers. It also guides emergency managers in the recruitment and use of local community resources to define, develop, teach, and implement a disaster response. With some planning, preparation, and cooperation, animals and their owners can be made safer.

As a bonus, this compilation includes Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies, A Reference Guide: a comprehensive book covering all aspects of terrorism and the threats posed by biological, chemical, and radiation agents. Planning For The Unthinkable: Preparation And Response In Public Health * Biological Agents * Chemical Agents * Radiation Emergencies * Terrorism And The Food Supply * Environmental Safety And Testing * The Role Of The Federal Government * Self-Care For Media * Range Of Public Reactions * Risk Communications During A Terrorist Attack Or Other Public Health Emergency * History Of Biological, Chemical, And Radiation Emergencies * Acronyms * Selected Web Sites * Epidemiology Glossary * Descriptions of Selected Sections of Acts Related to Public Health Emergencies * Family Disaster Planning—Five Steps to Safety * Disaster Supplies Kit * Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit * Self-Monitoring Checklist * Reducing Stress and Renewing Energy * Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters.

This is a privately authored news service and educational publication of Progressive Management. Our publications synthesize official government information with original material.